As industries evolve, the demand for innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability grows exponentially. The groundbreaking LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER project, a joint venture between Ommatidia LiDAR and Tensor Consultores, is setting new standards in structural health monitoring and vibration analysis equipment. This project integrates advanced Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to tackle challenges in mining and civil engineering environments. This project is funded by CORFO and CDTI under the Eureka program.
What is the LiDAR-AR Mining Optimizer?
LiDAR-AR Mining Optimizer unites laser radar, AR, and AI, providing precise monitoring and operational safety.
The LiDAR-AR Mining Optimizer combines the precision of laser radar, vibration monitoring equipment, and AR tools to monitor, analyze, and optimize mining and civil construction operations. Its core technologies include:
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High-Resolution FMCW LiDAR: Enables precise 3D laser scanning and structural mapping, and detects minute structural anomalies using optical metrology.
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Augmented Reality: Superimposes critical information directly onto the operator's field of view using devices like smart glasses, thus enhancing decision-making by providing intuitive and interactive visuals.
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AI-Driven Insights: Processes large datasets in real time and hence predicts structural failures, optimizing resource use, and ensuring safety compliance.
Vibration analysis fo rotary machinery and conveyor belts in mining
How Does the Technology Work?
This integrated system uses advanced photonic integrated circuits and laser vibrometry to address challenges in harsh environments
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Structural Health Monitoring: The LiDAR 3D scanner collects high-resolution data to detect cracks, weak points, or deformation in materials like carbon fiber reinforced polymer or concrete.
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Vibration Analysis: With its cutting-edge laser doppler vibrometer, the system measures vibrations at the micron level, ensuring machinery operates within safe parameters.
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Surveying and Monitoring: Leveraging terrestrial laser scanning, the system provides accurate terrain and structural data, outperforming traditional total station tools.
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Remote Vibration Sensors: Non-contact vibrometry solutions enable monitoring of equipment from a safe distance, minimizing operational risks.
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Advantages Over Traditional Tools
Compared to conventional laser measuring tools, the LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER project promises:
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Enhanced Safety: Operating in remote, high-risk environments is crucial for worker protection. The LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER allows teams to measure, map, and monitor areas prone to collapses or toxic gases without direct human involvement. By minimizing on-site presence, the system drastically reduces injuries, thereby considerably lowering overall health liabilities and insurance overhead.
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Unmatched Accuracy: Relying on advanced photonics, the LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER delivers precision surpassing mechanical measurement tools. Photonic sensors remain stable under temperature shifts, vibrations, and dusty conditions, ensuring reliable data in harsh mining environments. Operators can quickly spot minute structural deformations or alignment issues, maintaining higher safety and significantly reducing error margins.
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Versatility: Developments done in this project can be easily deployed in other applications such as NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) testing, aeroelasticity analyses, and ground vibration measurements. The LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER thus adapts to varied operational demands. Its modular design accommodates different sensor attachments, ensuring compatibility with changing site conditions. This adaptability empowers engineers to conduct multiple diagnostic tasks using a single robust platform.
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Cost Efficiency:Through predictive maintenance, operators can detect deterioration early and schedule repairs proactively. This approach curtails unplanned stoppages, averting safety incidents and profit losses. The LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER’s streamlined workflows further reduce manpower requirements and material waste, maximizing overall return on investment while significantly boosting overall productivity in demanding mining operations.
By operating remotely in high-risk areas, delivering photonic-based accuracy, adapting to multiple diagnostic tasks, and enabling predictive maintenance, the LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER boosts safety, lowers costs, and maximizes operational efficiency.
Applications in Mining and Civil Engineering
The LiDAR-AR Mining Optimizer has wide-ranging applications.
1. Mining
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Shotcrete Quality Assurance: Ensures even application and detects defects in sprayed concrete.
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Machinery Monitoring: Identifies imbalances in rotary machinery like crushers and mills using vibration condition monitoring tools.
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Geotechnical Risk Detection: Detects potential collapses by analyzing ground displacement.
2. Civil Engineering
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Infrastructure Monitoring: Tracks stress and deformation in bridges, tunnels, and skyscrapers.
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Surveying Equipment Replacement: Offers a superior alternative to coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)and laser trackers for detailed structural analysis.
A New Era for Structural Monitoring
Metrology, the science of measurement, finds a new champion in the LiDAR-AR Mining Optimizer. By combining optical integrated circuits, laser metrology, and displacement sensor technologies, this system redefines how industries approach precision tasks.
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Surveying Redefined: Replacing conventional robotic total station systems with terrestrial laser scanning.
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Condition Monitoring Solutions: Real-time data helps mitigate risks in sectors like wind turbine maintenance and transformer testing.
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Non-Destructive Testing: A perfect tool for industries where material integrity is critical, such as aerospace and energy.
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Collaboration with Tensor Consultores
Tensor Consultores, a leader in Mining and Civil Engineering in Chile, enhances this project by enabling intuitive visualization of complex data. Their contributions ensure the system remains user-friendly, allowing operators to interact seamlessly with advanced vibration equipment analysis tools and infrastructure monitoring systems.
The Road Ahead
As industries strive for better efficiency and sustainability, tools like the LiDAR-AR MINING OPTIMIZER pave the way forward. Its ability to address challenges across mining, construction, and other heavy industries makes it a cornerstone of modern innovation.
